Project ID: 2008HI228BTitle: Determination of the Relationship between Biodiversity and Trophic Status of Wahiawa ReservoirProject Type: ResearchStart Date: 3/01/2008End Date: 2/28/2009Congressional District: FirstFocus Categories: Nutrients, Water Quality, EcologyKeywords: Bidiversity, eutrophiation, assessment, predictionPrincipal Investigators: Yan, Tao; Liu, Clark (University of Hawaii)Federal Funds: $ 16,856Non-Federal Matching Funds: $ 42,055Abstract: Nutrient enrichment in the nation's rivers and lakes has been a complex and changing phenomenon. To accurately and timely assess trophic status is critical for efficient and sound regulatory and cost-effective remediation actions. Traditional trophic assessment methodologies do not address the interactions between abiotic and biotic factors. The objective of this proposed research is to investigate if microeukaryotic and prokaryotic biodiversities can be used as trophic indicators that provide more reliable assessment. Furthermore, because changes in biodiversity directly reflect the interactions between abiotic and biotic factors, it may also be used for trophic trend prediction and early detection. The Wahiawa Reservoir, a multi-functional water resource on the island of Oahu, is the subject of this study that involves both laboratory work and field investigation.